Acupuncture
for Pain Relief
David Gaines, LAc
Recent headlines show what many have
experienced: Acupuncture and Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) work for relieving pain.
FDA announced new recommendations for
Doctors to consider complementary medicines
like acupuncture for pain management before
prescribing opioids. Remember 2016 US Olympic
swim team’s cupping marks, their trainers
used cupping for muscle pain and to improve
circulation for better athletic performance.
Acupuncturist modalities to get you on the path
to healing include:
Acupuncture: the goal of acupuncture is to
stimulate and balance the flow of qi, or “vital
energy,” in acupuncture meridians. Studies show
acupuncture releases endorphins, the body’s own,
natural pain-relieving chemicals, releases feel-
good neurotransmitters like serotonin, increases
circulation and reduces muscle tension.
Cupping: Cupping uses heat to create a vacuum
in a glass cup applied to the body. Cups are either
left in one place or moved along soft tissues.
Gentle suction of cups opens up circulation
of blood, fluids and qi in the muscles and soft
tissue, useful for pain relief and muscle tension.
Moxibustion: A form of heat therapy with
small amounts of a dried herb called moxa, or
mugwort, are burned on or over the skin. Warmth
invigorates and supports flow of qi in the body
and meridians. Moxa softens scar tissue, a root
cause of pain.
Herbal Medicine: Herbs have anti-inflammatory
and pain-relieving effects without adverse
effects of NSAID or opioid drugs. TCM uses herbs
in pain treatment, including: turmeric, ginger,
angelica, and corydalis. Formulas combine
herbs to support circulation, disperse stagnation
and relieve pain while strengthening the body’s
natural healing abilities.
Acupuncture Cascadia LLC
David Gaines, LAc
Carli Gaines, RN, LAc
[email protected]
WINTER 2017 || BEND HEALTH GUIDE || 35